“How did you know that?” I wonder.
“I’m a genius.” She grins. “And you forget Liv every year.”
“She’s right; you do.”
I grab two extra plates and head to the table. As I set down the last plate, the doorbell rings.
I know it’s Ember because no one else would ring the doorbell. And I also know she’s only doing it because her brother is with her, and if she just walked right in, it might give the wrong idea.
“She’s here.”
I look over the dining room table one more time to make sure all of the plates are set properly, then I smooth my hands over my outfit as I head to the front door.
“Hi.” I smile, opening the door.
“Hey, man.” Cam walks in first. “Thanks for having us.”
“Yeah, of course, any time.”
Ember follows behind him. Slowly.
“Hey, Cam,” Jaxon yells from the kitchen. “You have to come try these mashed potatoes Brinley’s making. She needs a second opinion.”
“I didn’t even need your opinion,” she mutters.
“You should never keep Brinley waiting,” Ember says.
“I’ll take your coat and put it in the closet.” I put my hands out as he shakes his coat off one shoulder and then the other.
“Thanks, man.”
We watch him closely, and once he turns the corner; my lips are on Ember’s. Nothing crazy, like a full-on make-out session; we aren’t trying to get caught today. But just enough to let me know I’ve missed her.
“Hi,” I repeat.
“Hi back,” she whispers, pushing up on her toes for one more kiss. “You look nice.”
“I’ve got someone to impress,” I reply.
“You do? Are they here yet?”
“Very funny.” I roll my eyes. “Come on, you can help me put place cards on the table.”
“Place cards? I didn’t realize hockey players had such formal holidays together.”
“Again, only for you.” I grin.
I hang Cam’s coat in the front closet and wait for Ember to give me hers. Once both coats are hung up, we just stand there, and I can’t help but wonder if she’s thinking what I’m thinking—
Will anyone know if we sneak out?
“Ember!” Cam yells. “Jaxon wants a piece of the pumpkin cake.”
“Of course he does.” I follow her to the kitchen.
“It smells delicious,” he says as we enter the kitchen. “How come you never told us you could cook?”
“Technically, a pumpkin cake is baking,not cooking,” Brinley intervenes.
